QMI Agency

The New York Rangers have hired the former Vancouver Canucks bench boss to be their next head coach, agreeing to a five-year, $10-million contract on Monday, TVA Sports' Louis Jean reported.

Speculation grew Friday night after Vigneault, who was thought to be the leading candidate to fill the coaching vacancy with the Dallas Stars, withdrew his name from consideration despite having a reportedly sizeable offer on the table.

Tortorella, meanwhile, is believed to be in contention for Vigneault’s former job in Vancouver.

Vigneault has coached 806 NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens and Canucks over parts of 11 seasons. He was fired by Canucks on May 22 after the team was swept by the San Jose Sharks in the opening round of the playoffs.

Vigneault coached the Canucks to the Stanley Cup final in 2011, only to lose in seven games.